De Jong "This is the week"

Nigel de Jong has called for a “do or die” effort from his Manchester City team-mates, as they enter a pivotal week of their campaign.

The World Cup finalist was devastated by a disappointing display at Goodison, which saw the big-money City side rolled over by committed Everton.

And that was the worst possible preparation ahead of seven days in which the club’s 35 year quest for honours will be on the line, as well as a place in the Champions’ League.

Roberto Mancini’s team require a point against Spurs tomorrow to seal a Champions League slot, before going into Saturday’s FA Cup final clash with Stoke, as they come within touching distance of silverware for the first time in almost four decades.

Yet De Jong knows any repeat of the lame performance at Goodison will see City’s hopes go up in smoke, and he warned:

“This is a very important week for the club, the players and the fans. This is do or die for Manchester City.

“Fourth place is in reach and everything is in our hands. We just have to win that game.

“We then have a chance to be FA Cup winners - but we have to learn from this game at Everton.

“We were sloppy in our passing, and lost every second ball. They came out with their long balls, set pieces and that is their main danger.

“It is not like they out footballed us because we dominated them when it was about passing on the pitch. But sometimes you have got to grind through, and now we just have to get our heads clear again.”